A striker is high on the list of Barcelona priorities for next season.
Newly elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta has wasted little time in trying to improve the squad ahead of next season.
According to Sport, the club has already presented a formal offer to Manchester City striker Sergio “Kün” Agüero. The 32-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
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The Catalan side has been in desperate need of a striker for a while, even before the departure of Luis Suarez.
On one hand, Agüero would come for free without the necessity of having to pay a transfer fee. On the other, his age is a concern.
Barcelona are still an aging side despite the emergence of a number of young players. If one looks at the spine of the team, it remains reliant on players who are all over the age of 30.
The thought process behind his potential signing also has to do with Lionel Messi. He and Agüero are best friends so it is likely Laporta wants to sign him as a way of convincing Messi to stay.
Agüero’s had a tough season with Manchester City as he has not been as pivotal as in the past because of an injury. Manager Pep Guardiola knows Agüero has not played as much as he would have liked.
"“Sergio has been one year injured,” Guardiola said. “It is a lot of time. He played two or three games and then got injured again and was out.“I always think we need him in this part of the season, in the right moments, because he has a special talent and quality. He’s going to help.”Source: Sky Sports"
Agüero was an unused substitute in City’s 2-0 loss against Manchester United over the weekend.
City has not really missed the presence of Agüero and that is largely in part of other players stepping up. The writing may be on the wall.
If a deal is reached, Barcelona cannot rely on him to lead the line given his age and injury history. However, he would be a good option coming off the bench.
He could potentially be the second former City player joining Barcelona as a deal is all but done with center-back Eric Garcia.